The Rockets' most heartbreaking playoff losses

May 5, 2015 11:10 AM

Photo: Smiley N. Pool/Houston Chronicle

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The Rockets' disappointing Game 1 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers at Toyota Center was an all too familiar feeling for Houstonians. While only one NBA team finishes its season truly satisfied, the Rockets have a dubious past of painful losses in the playoffs. less

The Rockets' disappointing Game 1 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers at Toyota Center was an all too familiar feeling for Houstonians. While only one NBA team finishes its season truly satisfied, the Rockets have ... more

In 1986, the Hakeem Olajuwon and Ralph Sampson-led Rockets got past the Sacramento Kings, Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers en route to the NBA Finals where they met Larry Bird and the Boston Celtics. Houston fell in a 2-0 hole but fought back to make the series 3-2. Nineteen points from Hakeem Olajuwon were not enough as the Celtics won the championship with a 114-97 victory in Game 6. Bird and Kevin McHale had 29 points apiece and Danny Ainge scored 19. less

In 1986, the Hakeem Olajuwon and Ralph Sampson-led Rockets got past the Sacramento Kings, Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers en route to the NBA Finals where they met Larry Bird and the Boston Celtics. ... more

Before the Thunder relocated to Oklahoma City, the franchise was located in Seattle and known as the SuperSonics. During the second round of the playoffs in 1993, the Rockets and Sonics were locked in a back-and-forth series that went the distance to a Game 7. Houston was outscored by three points in overtime and Seattle prevailed 103-100. less

Before the Thunder relocated to Oklahoma City, the franchise was located in Seattle and known as the SuperSonics. During the second round of the playoffs in 1993, the Rockets and Sonics were locked in a ... more

In 1996, Gary Payton and the SuperSonics were at it again. A season after the Rockets' second win in the NBA Finals, Seattle made quick work of Houston in a 4-0 sweep during the West semifinals. Game 1 set the tone as the Rockets were blown out 105-78. The next three losses were by seven points or fewer, which was of little consolation. less

In 1996, Gary Payton and the SuperSonics were at it again. A season after the Rockets' second win in the NBA Finals, Seattle made quick work of Houston in a 4-0 sweep during the West semifinals. Game 1 set the ... more

Photo: File Photo, Houston Chronicle

In 1996, Gary Payton and the SuperSonics were at it again. A season... Photo-4542523.61243 - Houston Chronicle

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The Rockets and Utah Jazz waged a fierce rivalry throughout the 1990s. Houston got the best of Utah in the Western Conference Final in 1994, en route to beating the Knicks for the championship. The Jazz would get their revenge several times in later series. less

The Rockets and Utah Jazz waged a fierce rivalry throughout the 1990s. Houston got the best of Utah in the Western Conference Final in 1994, en route to beating the Knicks for the championship. The Jazz would ... more

In the 1997 Western Conference Finals, the Rockets were trying to push the Jazz to Game 7. But with two seconds remaining in Game 6, the Rockets lost track of Jazz point guard John Stockton on the inbounds play and Houston forward Charles Barkley couldn't close out in time. Stockton drilled the now-infamous 3-pointer sending Utah to the NBA Finals to meet the Chicago Bulls. less

In the 1997 Western Conference Finals, the Rockets were trying to push the Jazz to Game 7. But with two seconds remaining in Game 6, the Rockets lost track of Jazz point guard John Stockton on the inbounds play ... more

Photo: File Photo, Houston Chronicle

In the 1997 Western Conference Finals, the Rockets were trying to... Photo-4542525.61243 - Houston Chronicle

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In Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming's first playoff series together in 2005, the Rockets stole the opening two games from the Dallas Mavericks on their home court during the first round of the playoffs.

In Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming's first playoff series together in 2005, the Rockets stole the opening two games from the Dallas Mavericks on their home court during the first round of the playoffs.

The Dirk Nowitzki-led Mavs went on to win three consecutive games. The series reached Game 7, and the Rockets ended it with a thud. Houston saved its worst performance for last, losing by 40 points.

The Dirk Nowitzki-led Mavs went on to win three consecutive games. The series reached Game 7, and the Rockets ended it with a thud. Houston saved its worst performance for last, losing by 40 points.

Photo: File Photo, Houston Chronicle

The Dirk Nowitzki-led Mavs went on to win three consecutive games.... Photo-4542527.61243 - Houston Chronicle

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In 2007, the Rockets renewed their rivalry with the Jazz without Stockton and Karl Malone. Similar to their previous postseason appearance, the Rockets took a 2-0 series lead in the first round of the postseason. It wouldn't matter. The Jazz put Tracy McGrady and the Rockets away with a clutch fourth quarter in Game 7. less

In 2007, the Rockets renewed their rivalry with the Jazz without Stockton and Karl Malone. Similar to their previous postseason appearance, the Rockets took a 2-0 series lead in the first round of the ... more

Photo: Smiley N. Pool, Houston Chronicle

In 2007, the Rockets renewed their rivalry with the Jazz without... Photo-4542528.61243 - Houston Chronicle

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In 2008 the Rockets would meet the Jazz again the following postseason without Yao Ming, and fell to Utah in six games.

In 2008 the Rockets would meet the Jazz again the following postseason without Yao Ming, and fell to Utah in six games.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool, Houston Chronicle

In 2008 the Rockets would meet the Jazz again the following... Photo-4542529.61243 - Houston Chronicle

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In Houston's first playoff series since 2009, Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant was a Rockets killer in their 2013 first-round matchup. He did it without Russell Westbrook in Game 3, all but sealing the series for the Thunder with a 104-101 win. Durant could be heard boasting 'this is my city' on the court. less

In Houston's first playoff series since 2009, Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant was a Rockets killer in their 2013 first-round matchup. He did it without Russell Westbrook in Game 3, all but sealing the series for ... more

Photo: James Nielsen, Houston Chronicle

In Houston's first playoff series since 2009, Oklahoma... Photo-4542530.61243 - Houston Chronicle

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James Harden and Carlos Delfino of the Rockets couldn't help but watch after Durant was the beneficiary of an overly-friendly rim. After several bounces his clutch 3-pointer dropped in, deflating the spirit of the Toyota Center and all but ending the Rockets' season. less

James Harden and Carlos Delfino of the Rockets couldn't help but watch after Durant was the beneficiary of an overly-friendly rim. After several bounces his clutch 3-pointer dropped in, deflating the spirit of ... more

The Rockets' 2014 first-round series against Portland was filled with gut-wrenching losses. In Game 1 at Toyota Center, Houston was torched by LaMarcus Aldridge for 46 points and blew a 13-point fourth quarter lead and lost 122-120 in overtime. less

The Rockets' 2014 first-round series against Portland was filled with gut-wrenching losses. In Game 1 at Toyota Center, Houston was torched by LaMarcus Aldridge for 46 points and blew a 13-point fourth quarter ... more

After dropping the first two games at home against Portland in 2014, the Rockets had a chance to tie the series in Game 4, but lost a lead in the final seconds of regulation after a costly Jeremy Lin turnover before falling 123-120 in overtime. less

After dropping the first two games at home against Portland in 2014, the Rockets had a chance to tie the series in Game 4, but lost a lead in the final seconds of regulation after a costly Jeremy Lin turnover ... more

Photo: James Nielsen, Houston Chronicle

After dropping the first two games at home against Portland in... Photo-7929157.61243 - Houston Chronicle

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The 2014 Portland series ended on a crushing note. Leading 98-96 with 0.9 seconds left, the Rockets saw Blazers guard Damian Lillard grab an inbounds bass and sink the series-winning 3-pointer as time expired.

The 2014 Portland series ended on a crushing note. Leading 98-96 with 0.9 seconds left, the Rockets saw Blazers guard Damian Lillard grab an inbounds bass and sink the series-winning 3-pointer as time expired.

Photo: James Nielsen, Houston Chronicle

The 2014 Portland series ended on a crushing note. Leading 98-96... Photo-7929158.61243 - Houston Chronicle